Weddings are a fun and exciting occasion filled with love, laughter and, quite often, lots of alcohol. So, with this in mind, those who are recovering from addiction or those committed to a sober life can face several challenges at any events they attend.

Staying sober at a wedding is possible and can also be incredibly rewarding. Plus, it can do wonders for overall recovery and self-confidence. In this article, we’ll provide practical advice on avoiding alcohol at weddings as well as best practice insight so that you can stay true to your recovery goals.

Preparing Mentally For The Event

Staying sober at any social event requires a lot of careful planning and consideration. Begin by setting out clear and achievable goals for the event and remind yourself that sobriety is important to you.

Reflect on your journey to sobriety and where you are today. It might be for recovery, your health, a relationship or even personal growth. Either way, keeping these reasons at the front of your mind will help in the most difficult situations. You could even set reminders on your phone or write down a list and keep this in your pocket or handbag for easy access in the event that you face a temptation.

Visualisation is a very helpful tool, and it can help you to mentally prepare for different scenarios. For example, you might imagine yourself declining a drink or enjoying the event without alcohol. By thinking about these ideas prior to the event, individuals can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and build confidence in dealing with any pressures.

Practical Advice for Staying Sober at a Wedding

Attending or arriving at the wedding with a friend or sober companion is a great way to stay on the right track. Not only can they offer support and encouragement, but they can also provide a sense of security and help deflect any offers of a drink. Many people find that having someone who is also sober and supportive of their choice is a great way to reduce some of the stress.

Try to remember that many venues will also have a range of non-alcoholic drinks, which means there will be something for everyone.

Plus, many of these drinks mimic the appearance of alcoholic beverages, meaning individuals can blend into the crowd without feeling out of place. For extra peace of mind, you could even contact the venue beforehand to see what drinks they offer or even take your own.

Another key tactic to ensure individuals feel safe is to arrive early and find quiet zones to retreat to if things become overwhelming. These could be the garden, a quiet library, or even a seating area away from the bar. Don’t be afraid to speak to people, too, and try to identify additional individuals who may be able to offer support.

Not everyone will be drinking alcohol at the event. In fact, opting for alcohol-free refreshments is becoming more popular, with 25% of wedding guests deciding to enjoy their night sober.

It can also be useful to hold a non-alcoholic drink at all times to prevent people from offering you a drink. While simple, this strategy is effective and can help you navigate social interactions with ease.

Although not drinking at social events is becoming more popular, it’s still worth being somewhat prepared for questions about why you’re not drinking.

Although questions such as these ones may feel a little confronting, try not to take offence at someone’s genuine interest. You don’t need to go into detail, either. Simple responses about health or being the designated driver will do. You don’t owe anyone an explanation unless you’re comfortable sharing more information. Humour is a great way to deflect attention and can shift the focus away from why you’re not drinking.

Alternatively, staying engaged in meaningful activities and conversations with friends and family can help you stay occupied and detract the conversation away from the presence of alcohol. Try to catch up with old friends, make new ones and take part in traditional wedding activities like dancing.

Self-Care During The Wedding

Weddings are notoriously busy, and dancing, catching up, and taking photos are great ways to stay sober. But you should also take breaks if you begin to feel tempted or overwhelmed. Consider stepping outside for fresh air, relaxing in a quiet spot, or even heading somewhere private to practise some deep breathing.

This can provide you with much-needed time to regain your composure and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding. Mindfulness is key to helping you stay focused and grounded. Think about the celebration and your commitment to sobriety. Together, these tactics should help you remain calm and enjoy the event without an alcoholic drink.

Post-Wedding Reflection

After the wedding, be sure to take some time to reflect on your experience. This is especially true if it’s your first big social event in recovery. So, celebrate every and any small success in staying sober, and don’t forget to acknowledge the effort it took to do so.

Positive reinforcement and praise are great ways to maintain long-term sobriety. Equally important is to think about any challenges you faced and how you handled them. Reflect on the good and bad and consider whether you would respond differently in the future.

Sharing these experiences with your support network—whether it’s a local counselling group, friends, or family—can help you see the situation from a different perspective. Discuss your achievements, challenges, and goals for the future, and don’t be afraid to set new goals.

How Asana Lodge Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with sobriety, just know you don’t have to do it alone.

At Asana Lodge, we offer expert support and resources to help individuals stay committed to sober living. We’ve helped many on the path to recovery.

Staying sober at a wedding is a huge testament to your commitment and strength. Plus, with the right support and preparation, you can navigate even more social situations while enjoying sober living long-term.

For more information, guidance, or support regarding relapse, contact our friendly team today.

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